A PEACEFUL haven often referred to as Church Stretton's "jewel in the crown" is to get a tidy-up.

Rectory Wood and Field, popular with locals and visitors, has many beautiful mature trees, including several veterans hundreds of years old.

After a recent successful meeting between Shropshire County Council, Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Church Stretton Town Council and the National Trust, a series of volunteer work days has been planned for the site.

A management plan is being developed for its future care.

The idea is to continue improving the site for residents, visitors and of course wildlife.

Rectory Wood countryside ranger Harvey Morgan said: "Volunteers are needed for such tasks as tidying woodland paths, Town Brook and the enchanting yew-ringed pool.

"The work will improve the visual quality of the site for visitors while safeguarding the wildlife aspects, including the swathes of snowdrops and bluebells which carpet the woodland floor in spring.

"Insects and other mini-beasts will be encouraged to thrive by providing habitat piles of rotting branches, twigs and leaves as homes and food.

Food

"The insects provide food for birds and small mammals, completing the natural food cycle."

Volunteers will be able to join the National Trust work group at Tuesday meetings at the site one day a month throughout the autumn and winter.

For details and a list of work dates contact National Trust warden Dave Cowell on 01694 723068.